City Council Panel Eyes Plan To Bring Back Public Water Fountains
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A San Fernando Valley lawmaker wants to bring free drinking water back to Los Angeles.
City Councilman Tom LaBonge introduced a motion (PDF) in September calling for "a comprehensive plan to upgrade, restore and bring back public water fountains in public spaces" citywide.
According to LaBonge, an investment in more water fountains will result in improved access to clean water for both residents and tourists, a healthy alternative to high-sugared drinks, and a reduction in the use of plastic bottles.
One of the recommendations made by LaBonge includes a partnership with WeTap, an organization that was contracted by the city in February 2012 to help LADWP customers to locate drinking fountains throughout the city using an Android smartphone application.
The WeTap application, which utilizes global positioning system information to map the locations of drinking fountains nearest to the user, was designed to enable residents to refill reusable bottles and avoid generating unnecessary waste from the use of disposable plastic bottles, according to the LADWP.
The motion has been referred to the Energy and Environment Committee.
